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A Seat at the Table

In the earliest days of the American colonies, it was common for a household to own only one chair, and use of the chair was reserved for the man of the house while women and c

Object Story: "Lone Star" Appliqued Chintz and Pieced Quilt

Quilt made by Mary Seeds Moon around 1840 in the popular Lone Star pattern.

Understanding Context: Different Ways to Make Sense of an Object

Connecting to People through Portraits

Like a photograph, a portrait represents a picture of a person.

Overview: Out of Many, One?

Americans have long created an identity based on distinct principles and values that define the country. This unit explores the tensions between being an individual and being part of a group or nation and provides insight into what it means to be an individual in America, today and centuries ago.

Overview: Prosperity for All?

America was founded on the principles of equality, freedom, liberty, and respect for individual rights. But these ideals have not always applied to everyone, and many Americans have fought since the founding of this country to broaden those values so that they apply to all Americans.

Overview: The Price of Progress

The notion that innovation and change leads to progress is at the heart of the American character, but Americans also value tradition. This unit explores a wide range of traditions and innovations in American society. When is progress worth the loss of tradition and certain ways of life?

Object Story: Painted Schrank

This wardrobe holds important clues about the identity of an early Pennsylvania family.

Object Story: Portrait of Elizabeth Stone Coffin

Portrait of Elizabeth Stone Coffin painted by John Brewster Jr. in 1801.

Everybody Collects

The kinds of objects, artifacts, and artworks that people collect communicate different ideas.  They can be a record of events that happened in society.